Beeb secure Championship rights

The Football League have more than doubled their income from broadcast rights under new deals that will see Coca-Cola Championship games screened live on the BBC for the first time.

The new agreements with Sky and the BBC, to run for three seasons from 2009-10, are worth worth a total of £264million compared to £112.5million for the current agreement.

Sky will screen live 65 Football League games a season plus the play-offs and the Carling Cup final. The BBC will have live coverage of 10 other Championship games - it will be the first time the corporation has screened a league game from outside the top flight - and will also show the Carling Cup final live.

Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "We are delighted to be continuing our strong partnership with Sky Sports and are excited by the prospect of working closely with the BBC.

"I am grateful to them both for their recognition of the value that The Football League brings to the football marketplace.

"Over the last few years, the League's standing has been enhanced, both commercially and competitively, as we have delivered real football for real fans. This deal recognises that fact.

"£88million a year coupled with unparalleled coverage on Sky and the BBC will provide a fantastic boost to Football League clubs and their supporters."